Former Congress MLA from Bilaspur, Bamber Thakur, was shot at by unidentified assailants at his residence on Friday, police said. Thakur and his personal security officer (PSO) sustained injuries in the attack, following which they were rushed to hospitals for treatment.
According to police, the attackers fired nearly 12 rounds of bullets. Thakur was immediately referred to Indira Gandhi Medical College in Shimla, while his PSO was taken to AIIMS Bilaspur, officials said, as per news agency PTI.
Speaking to the media, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, "I have spoken to Bamber Ji and urged him to go to AIIMS. However, it was his decision to receive treatment at IGMC (Indira Gandhi Medical College). I asked the Deputy Commissioner to make the necessary arrangements. I have given directions to track down the culprits."
His brother told PTI, "He was at home for Holi when four people came and opened fire at him. They could have killed him... I arrived later, but I was told that around 10-12 rounds were fired."
"He was speaking against drugs for a year, so 'chitta' gangs and political entities may be responsible. He was attacked earlier too, so those people may have hired (assailants) more men," he added.
2024 Attack On Bamber Thakur In Jabali
This is not the first attack on the Congress leader. In February 2024, Thakur was assaulted in Jabali after an argument with some individuals inside a railway line construction office. He had sustained serious injuries in that incident, and police had rounded up several suspects for questioning at the time.
Police have registered a case and launched a probe into the matter. Further details are awaited.